With the coming of the new year and the January chill, also came the return of the Canary Wharf Lights Festival, which was also showcased at the beginning of 2016. Many new and innovative ideas came to Canary Wharf this year, to once again be admired by onlookers. Various structures and installations based on light technology, were scattered around the Canary Wharf estate, providing a spectacular display for the public from 16th – 27th January. All the exhibits were in free public spaces, some inside, some outside, and some even on the water of the docks. Visiting was free, and people flocked to the installations after dusk, so they could really appreciate the displays.
The most interesting and captivating displays were the interactive structures, for example, an interactive ‘light graffiti’ display. There were devices similar to handheld torches, which emitted different colours of light, and the line of the movements were projected onto the wall, creating a graffiti effect, with light. There was also a ‘digital skin’ installation, where visitors could digitally paint on each other using projections. Some of the exhibits will remain permanently on the Canary Wharf Estate, like the light benches in Canada Square, next to the ice rink. It provided spectators with a completely unique and special experience, which was enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to have the chance to see it.
One visitor to the event, aged 10, said, “I think it is very interesting. My favourite piece is the water wall display where different glowing shapes are projected onto the river.” Another onlooker, aged 50, commented that “it’s a lovely, colourful exhibition, showing lots of imagination from artists around Europe. I love it!”
Hopefully, with its popularity, the lights festival will return next year, with more beautiful and enchanting pieces of artwork.
By Raya Milushev, Newstead Wood School
